Our Team - La'ei

Founders and Executive Directors

Lorna (Lotofagā, A’ufaga, Papa i Puleia & Afega) and Fa’alafitele Zondervan Fa’alafi (Sāfune, Fasito’o Tai, Apia & Faleasi’u) are passionate about strengthening Sāmoan cultural identity. Lorna, born and raised in Avondale, New Zealand, is a trained Primary School Teacher, teaching in NZ and in Sāmoa. She completed a Bachelor of Education, Primary Teaching in 2002 and a Master’s in social and Community Leadership (First class honours) in 2024 from the University of Auckland. Her research thesis articulates ‘The positive influence of Siva Sāmoa on ethnic identity for second and third-generation Sāmoans living in Aotearoa’.

She is a highly experienced Siva Sāmoa teacher for over three decades ranging from Polyfest tutoring to starting her dance company ‘Elei Dance’ in the community. She served as a Pasifika Advisory Group member at Dilworth Boys Senior School and worked as Team Lead for the Schools & Community Liaison at Manukau Institute of Technology & Unitec for 7 years.

Fa’alafitele Zondervan was born and raised in Samoa. A son of Methodist church ministers he has lived in different countries and understands Sāmoan culture within church contexts. A graduate in Biblical Studies at Laidlaw College Fa’alafitele Zondervan is passionate about empowering people and building strong, thriving communities. He worked as Place Manager for the Auckland Council Connected Communities Department designing and delivering programmes to meet the needs of Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board residents.

Millie Vai

School Holiday Program Administrator

Talofa lava! My name is Millie Vai (Nofoali’i, Matautu Lefaga, Satupaitea, Fagali’i) and I am your La’ei School Holiday Programme Administrator. My husband Keneti Vai (Vaiala, Levi Saleimoa) and I have been married for 21 years with three children, aged 22 years, 20 years, and 17 years old. After homeschooling my children into their teens, I returned to work in administration with the La’ei Family. I am passionate about strengthening family identity, connecting with youth, and re-engaging with my cultural roots through Lae’i. My experience with children comes from my homeschooling journey within our family, church, and community networks. I am born in Auckland but raised and educated in Dunedin, I am continually learning more about my heritage and look forward to serving everyone.

Leafa Luatua

School Holiday Program Coordinator

Talofa lava La’ei family! I’m Leafa Tuala, your La’ei School Holiday Program Coordinator. Born in New Zealand and raised in Otara, I come from the Samoan villages of Sale’imoa Salepoua’e and Tafua-tai. As one of six siblings, I gradually learned Samoan through family and school experiences, especially at Clover Park Intermediate with Mr. Tila Falemoe.

I have six children, and our second daughter is an Elei Girls Siva tutor. Our Elei Girls journey began after missing the first intake, but I later volunteered because of the program’s positive impact. Eventually, even our son joined Mamanu. La’ei has helped our NZ-born kids connect culturally and spiritually with their nana.

I am a qualified, registered and experienced Social Worker at Oranga Tamariki. I believe in fostering gratitude and family connection, often while my husband and children participate in activities like Kilikiti. I enthusiastically support all children in their pursuits, celebrating their achievements regardless of the activity.

My service as a PIPC Sunday school teacher within the kindergarten department has enabled me to cultivate positive values in various age groups. This term, I look forward to engaging with your child or children these holidays.